I'm new here.....

[blukntuckygirl]

Hello everyone....I'm new here on this forum but definately not new to trying to lose weight. I have a lot of weight to lose. I have tried every diet there is and had success with many of them. My trouble is that I start with plenty of enthusiasm but with so much to lose, I soon tire of the routine and return to my old ways. I have been studying SBD for some time now and have finally decided that it is a lifestyle change that I can live with. I am definately a bread and carb lover, so I know the first two weeks are not going to be easy. Is there anything that I can do to make this easier. I look forward to any advice and I hope to become a regular on this board. You can just call me Blu.

[paintedbliss]

Hey blu,
Welcome to our little corner of the beach, glad you found us. Some people do well planning their menus for the two weeks so they know exactly what they can eat so they don't stray. There are others that wing it and follow specific guidelines, it depends on what might work well for you. I encourage you to start a blog or journal and post your meals day to day. It's easier to see what you are eating and sometimes if you feel you are having problems we can give you a little advice on how to make it easier or more workable for you. If you need some ideas some members on here have some great blogs such as jilly to give you an idea of where to start if you run into problems. If you need some help give a holler.
????: South Beach Diet Forums http://www.southbeachdietbulletinboard.com/introduction-forum-just-say-hello/4036-im-new-here.html
By the way we run a weight challenge weekly and a new one is starting on feb 25th. Our current one is ending then as well . It's really just a supportive way to become more accountable to ourselves and to give motivation to the members so you are more than welcome to join.

[RedRox]

Hi Blu! And Welcome!!

Well I sometimes think this thing is as easy or as difficult as you choose to make it! So try to make it easy! So ya know rather than thinking about what you can't eat, think about all the good stuff you can eat! Make it interesting and flavorful, try new recipes and learn to enjoy the process. I sometimes recommend to those starting out to print out the P1 foods list and go through and highlight or check all the things you like in each of the major categories and make sure you incorporate those regularly (pending any noted daily limits). I think homemade chili is a great P1 food and most people usually like some form of chili and you can make a lot and store/freeze the rest for other meals or snacks during the week, if something unexpected comes up and you're out of time and/or ideas.

Be sure to use the available good carb sources in P1 (dairy, beans, veggies) to keep your energy levels up and avoid the early P1 "blahs" that sometimes occur.

Take it one step at a time. Come up with a series of mini-goals and identify non food based rewards along the way. Always celebrate your successes! Enjoy the process along the way. The ultimate destination will be in sight one day if the process is right and true and sustainable.

Learn to read ingredients lists and nutritional labels and keep the foods list handy to check things if you are not sure. Ask questions here when you are stumped! Be sure to look at the meal model sticky topic (and the foods lists) in the individual phase specific forums for guidance on how to put together a coherent daily meal plan. Eat breakfast and don't skip snacks!
????: South Beach Diet Forums http://www.southbeachdietbulletinboard.com/showthread.php?t=4036

Don't weigh too often if non scale movement is going to negatively affect your attitude. "Weight" is a very imprecise measurement of what is really going on during the process anyway.

Believe in yourself and practice self-compassion. Perfection isn't required or even particularly desired. Consistency and longevity typically win out in the end. Practice daily affirmations of things that you did right or things that you find positive during the day. Rinse and repeat.

There are no quick fixes or magic bullets. Don't go ON a diet, but instead, CHANGE your diet. Create a new you along the way simply because you are worth it!

Best wishes on your new journey!!

[Jilly_Bean]

Hi, Blu. Welcome!

As always, you've gotten some great advice from Red and Jane. Keep posting and asking questions and stay involved, specially in the beginning days and I'll bet you'll do fine. Longevity and consistency are paying off for me!

[logmyloss.com]

Welcome Blu - it is nice to have another Kentuckian around (at least I assume you are). You've found a great place to hang out and learn about the SBD.